I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this important issue this evening. Following last week's announcement that P&O Ferries will withdraw its service on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route from 19 December next, I ask the Minister, Deputy Coughlan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to intervene immediately to ensure that access to continental Europe markets is not interrupted. This important issue has significance not only for the Department of Agriculture and Food but for all Departments. I am sure the Minister will raise the matter at Cabinet level.
Urgent action is needed before the looming deadline if cattle prices, particularly weanling prices, are to be maintained. This issue, which has been discussed for some time, has been brought into sharp focus by the decision of P&O Ferries to end its service on the French route. The Government should act now to secure an alternative arrangement that will guarantee continued access to ferries for Irish farmers and exporters. The problems of on-off service should be cleared up and a genuine service should be put in place.
This problem has particular significance for County Clare, which is one of the top three counties for calf registration. It is possible that farmers in the county will be those worst affected. The Minister of State is aware that most cattle born in the county are sold as calves and weanlings. There is a huge need for live exports to continue if we are to maintain a vibrant market.
As an island nation, Ireland has a significant disadvantage because the only viable access to its market is by sea. The assistance of the Naval Service, which has great experience and expertise, should be called on to protect the industry, if necessary. It provides a similar service to the fishing industry, with which the Minister of State is familiar, by protecting fish stocks in Irish waters. The navy could readily operate ferry services on behalf of the State to ensure that our vital national interest is protected. The Army is utilised by the State when bus workers or fire fighters go on strike. I do not think it would be unusual to ask the Naval Service to provide its navigational skills at sea to manage a ferry in this way.
Ireland's live export trade is extremely important for the beef sector, which is worth €1.5 billion, in terms of price competition and market outlets. Access to the EU Single Market should be guaranteed for Irish livestock farmers and live cattle exports, particularly in light of the introduction of decoupling, which will have an effect on the price of calves and weanlings as all Senators are aware. The live export of such animals, which has increased significantly in recent years, is vital if we are to sustain a level of profitability in this sector. There is a fear among many farmers that meat factories will not have any competition without a healthy live export trade. The Minister is well aware that a lack of competition in the farming sector leads to lower prices, which in turn leads to financial ruin and disaster for farmers. Senators would not like that to happen and neither would the Minister of State.
The live export trade, which is worth over €150 million per year, involves the export of over 200,000 cattle. The Minister of State knows that many such cattle originate in my county and other counties along the western seaboard. Ireland is further marginalised following the European Union's increase to 25 member states because it is on the western periphery of Europe. It is one of the few island nations with no viable alternative to get to the markets. It is possible to use the land bridge over England for many dry goods which are exported, but that bridge cannot be used for live cattle as a result of the foot and mouth disease crisis. I would welcome the Minister of State's thoughts on the crisis point we have reached.
